WATG receives top honors at LIV Hospitality Design Awards

By Eleanor Cardwell
March 26, 2024

JW Marriot Jeju exterior architecture with rocks in foreground

WATG is pleased to announce multiple award wins at the fourth edition of the prestigious LIV Hospitality Design Awards. The awards span across multiple categories, including coveted titles like “Jury’s Top Pick for Asia” and “Destination Winner for Asia,” WATG reaffirms its position as an industry leader.

Yanbai Villa and JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa secured top honours under the Interior Design Living Space and Architecture Living Space categories, respectively. Their accolades, including “Jury’s Top Pick for Asia,” “Resort – Luxury,” and “Destination Winner for Asia,” underscore their status as leaders in the realm of hospitality design. Additionally, Huafa Dong’ao Hotel claimed the distinguished title of “Resort – Luxury” under the Architecture Living Space category.

These remarkable victories not only reflect WATG’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation but also solidify its expertise in shaping unforgettable hospitality experiences across Asia. By collaborating with clients who share a passion for originality and authentic hospitality, WATG continuously redefines luxury and sets new industry standards. With a focus on delivering distinct, timeless, and operationally sound designs, WATG consistently develops worldwide destinations known for their perpetually high performance since its dawning days in 1945.

By collaborating with clients who share a passion for originality and authentic hospitality, WATG continuously redefines luxury and sets new industry standards.
“Our design philosophy for Yanbai Villa intertwines with the essence of quiet luxury, crafting spaces where elegance speaks softly yet profoundly. ”
— Deepu Mahboobani

Yanbai Villa

Yanbai Villa is a destination hotel that reimagines traditions for the modern world. Inspired by Wang Ximeng’s iconic artwork A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains, dating back to the 12th century, the interiors of Yanbai Villa pays homage to Chinese culture and heritage while embracing sustainability and modern luxury.

Deepu Mahboobani, Managing Principal of Wimberly Interiors, shared her insights on the award-winning Yanbai Villa, “Our design philosophy for Yanbai Villa intertwines with the essence of quiet luxury, crafting spaces where elegance speaks softly yet profoundly. A symphony of minimalism and tranquillity is composed, where every element, from the tactility of silk to the tranquil vistas, contributes to an ambience not just to be experienced but also deeply felt. It brings me immense joy and pride to see our vision of quiet luxury recognised with the prestigious LIV award, a testament to our commitment to timeless design and unparalleled hospitality.”

“WATG’s rich hotel design experience and innovation capabilities have underpinned Huafa Dongao resort project’s early success to win not just the LIV Awards but multiple design awards. ”
— Huafa

Huafa Dong'ao Hotel

Huafa Dongao Hotel exemplifies sustainable luxury design across two plots on Dongao Island, perfectly harmonising with the natural landscape and cultural heritage.

Tiffany Lee, Project Director of Architecture, commented on the victory of Huafa Dongao Hotel, “With the well-documented relationship with our client Huafa, winning the LIV Award in the Resort – Luxury category for the Dongao project is a testament to the benefits of a long-standing partnership. We are excited to see our design concept come to life soon, which is envisaged to set a new benchmark in luxury resorts along the beautiful coastlines of Zhuhai.”

“We appreciate the professionalism and excellent design capabilities of the WATG team. Their rich hotel design experience and innovation capabilities have underpinned Huafa Dongao resort project’s early success to win not just the LIV Awards but multiple design awards. Throughout the design process, WATG worked closely with us to realise our shared vision. We believe that partnering with WATG not only enhances the project standing, but will also result in long term success,” added a spokesperson from Huafa

“The architecture of JW Marriott Jeju was not conceived as an object on the site, but as a conduit for experiencing the site, carefully framing views and guiding guests through an immersive journey. ”
— Brandon Large

JW Marriott Jeju

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa offers a mesmerising escape atop a cliff along the southern coast of Jeju Island – a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, providing panoramic ocean views perfect for connecting with nature.

Brandon Large, Creative Director of Architecture, expressed his reflections in the triumph of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, “The architecture of JW Marriott Jeju was not conceived as an object on the site, but as a conduit for experiencing the site, carefully framing views and guiding guests through an immersive journey. We are proud to have conveyed our design intent successfully and are beyond thrilled to be selected by the illustrious panel of judges as the award recipient for not just Luxury Resort, but Destination Winner and Jury’s Top Pick for Asia too.”

WATG’s outstanding achievement at the LIV Awards solidifies its status as a pioneer in the hotel design sector, setting new standards of quality, innovation, and authenticity.

Latest Insights

Perspectives, trends, news.

Work with us